The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-03-27
MNg. lELIB YREDELLI,
THE WORLD RENOWNED CON.
TRALTO, TELLS HER STORY.
How She Came TO be an Opera
Singer-Her Friendship
for Ni'ssoB.

tour OF the L acluc COabJ, Is paTllCu-
hrly interesting. An Examiner rep
resentative called on the lady at her
apartmentEin the Occidental Hotel,
Yesterday Afternoon, aud was accord.
ed an extended interview. She
speaks with decided French &C
cent and possesses extraordinary con-
yersational powers.
In reply to a question in regard to
her nativity, Nine. Trebelli replied:
ut is generally supposed by the
American people that am Of Italian
birth, but | was born in Paris, and
my ancestors. as far back can be
traced, were all natives OF France"
at is said that your parents and
friends we're decidedly opposed to
your going on the operate stage
YES said the great singer,
they did all in their power to have
me give up that idea, but it seemed
to me thai | was destined to become
a singer Of some note. My people
belop ged to the nobility, and it was
purely on that account that they did
not want me to 20 on the stage
is not there something interest
ing as to the manner in which you
selected your stage name?" inquired
the reporter.
With much astonishment Nine.
Trebelh replied;
when I fully decided upon my
care in life, that is, to become an
operatic singer, | changed my name,
which was Zelia Gillebert, TO Ire
belli by dropping the g and reading
the name backwards.
VERY early in life | had particu
lar fondness for the piano, which in.
creased as | grew older. AT that
time il was discovered that pos
sessed strong vocal powers, and my
father placed me under the care OF
Wartel. Before | knew it ] had at
tanned an enviable reputation as n
concert singer. shall never forget
my first appearance on the concert
stage. Signor Wartel called upon
me rather suddenly to assume a r lie
in a light opera without much time
for preparation. During the per
Torrance was greeted with frequent
encores, and the grand old maestro
was profuse in praise Of my singing.
II had nearly completed my studies
with Wartel when Nilsson com
menced to lay the foundation for her
brilliant career. | have many dear
recollections OF her early life. Nils
son was 10 or 20 years of age when
she commenced her studies. She
was always diligent and studious in
her art, and the great success which
she has achieved on the operate
stage is due only to her studious nat
ure, Singing was not a natural gilt
to her"
"Ihis is net your first visit to
America
No" replied Mime. Trebelli, with
some feeling. II only wish | had
visited this delightful land years be-
fore. | am delighted with the Amer
lean people and love TO sing before
them. In 1883 made my debut in
II Troudtore in New York under Mr..
Abbey arrangement. Il sang in st.
Louis during the season, which was
the farthest Western city visited
This is my first visit to San Francis
90 aud the Pacific Coast. The hos
pitality with which have been re-
ceived in the different cities on this
side of the continent, aud especially
San Francisco | shall ever remem'
Der. hope to DO able to return al
no distant day
When did you first make your APP
pearance on the operate stage?
Queried the reporter.
MY first appearance in Italian
opera was made in II TrOvatore, il
1859, at Madrid. 1t was notabl,
debut, as | had never attempted
leading role in opera before and
did not think | was competent Il
sing in such difficult opera withou
more experience and study, blu
Wartol was always pushing Inc ahead
He certainly must have known m,
talents for singing. I In 1862 | frs
sang in Paris. Since then hav
appeared in LoHdon in summer an
Paris in winter, dividing the winte
between Paris and Berlin. | san
in Berlin at the coronation of EN-
peror William in 1861.
"On returning to Europe do 70
contemplate giving up your proios
sion2"
MY only desire, continued Nine
Trebelli, lis to continue in my pro
tession until my daughter, AntOinett
Trebelli, who is now studying unde
the instructions OF son OF the lat
Wartel, shall have completed he
musical education. She has alread
made her debut on the concert stage
aud in two or three years she vii
appear in opera
"Do you prefer the operate to tn
concert stage2" was asked.
"0h, most decidedly. In oper
you have dual role to assume-thl
of acting aud singing. A majority
the people do not understand tn
Italian language, and they requir
acting, dazzling costumes, prett
choruses and brilliant stage scene
to satisfy their taste for opera. TIL
concert stage is not at all agreeabI
tome"
(which language do you prefer I
sing inP' asked the reporter.
Italian, for opera, on account (
its musical and dramatic qualitie,
ballads love to sing in my natiN
tongue; oratorios in English. Xix
also, to sing ballads in the Swedis
and Russian languages"
you undoubtedly have fayorit
opera2" suggested the reporter.
Yes, every musical person has
favorite opera or song, and it is S
with those who take part in an oper
iSemirdmide is my favorite, and it
a pleasing fact to know that MN
Patti first sang in that opera with n
at Hamburg, Germany. She learnC
her part in three days, a wonderfl
accomplishment, and she acouitte
herself with gre at honor. This WI
in 1851"
after your San Francisco seasc
will you return Immediately
Europe2"